An Interview With Lady Macbeth

    You have two chances left to catch Macbeth in Huntington - and I have only two e-interviews left to share!

   So let's hear from Kate Morris, who plays the iconic Lady Macbeth:

Q: You're part of a classic Shakespeare play, but in case our reader isn't familiar with it, tell us the basic story.

Kate: A man with a dream to be King is told by a prophecy that his dream may come true.  Rather than trust in fate that what is supposed to happen will happen, he and his wife meddle with their own destiny.  And we all know how well that usually goes.  

Q: Tell us about the character you play.

Kate: I play Lady Macbeth, the title character’s wife.  She is one of Shakespeare’s most famous women.  Even my sister, who knows little about the theatre, knew Lady M’s most famous line, “Out, damn spot”.  It has been a challenge and a joy to attempt to bring her to life.  From doing research, I realized that many of the world’s greatest actresses have tackled this character.  And while I would never compare myself to the likes of Dame Judi Dench, Sarah Siddons, Vivien Leigh and Ellen Terry, I am giddy that I get to say the same words, and feel some of the same feelings that they have.  It is an honor.  

Q: What's the most challenging thing about this show?

Kate: The biggest challenge for me in this play was bringing Lady Macbeth to life in a way that modern women could relate to. She is often seen as one dimensional, evil, bitchy (can I say bitchy?), or simply manipulative. I wanted to see her as a real woman who shares a dream with her husband and goes after it. Unfortunately, her flaw is that she doesn’t see or refuses to acknowledge the consequences of her actions until after she has acted.  My favorite thing about her is that Shakespeare gives little hints in the text that she does have a conscience even though she continues to suppress it in front of her husband and her guests.  Those few lines are gifts from the playwright that allow the actress to create a well rounded person.

   While I was rehearsing this role I heard an interview with actor Stephen Tobolowsky.  When asked about playing a villain he said, “This man is a hero with his agenda, with his point of view. I did not intend to play [him] as one chromosome short of a human being, like a lot of people will play various villains.” I tried to remember that when I approached Lady Macbeth. I don’t believe that she sees herself as an evil villain (even if that’s how the other characters see her) and I hope that makes her seem more like a real woman who makes some really bad choices.

Q: Will the audience be scared or shocked by this production? 

Kate: I hope so.

Q: Why did you want to be part of this show? 

Kate: Who wouldn’t want to be part of this show?  It’s got it all: great words, great characters, sword fighting, blood, witches, ghosts.  I could go on.  It’s a great play being produced by great people.  I couldn’t be more proud of this show.  But one of my favorite parts about being in the show is getting to act opposite of my husband, Greg Morris who plays Mr. Macbeth.  We have been on stage together before, but never as husband and wife.  I think our connection and comfort with each other makes our version of the Macbeths even more unique.  It has been a joy working with him.

Q: Why would you recommend this show to our readers?

Kate: It’s Halloween. There’s blood and guts, and that’s super fun.  But also, if we do our jobs right, the audience will see a timeless, human story of a man who makes a bad decision and sets forth on a downward spiral into self-destruction.  Who can’t relate to that?  

Q: Tell us the dates, times and place for the show.

Kate: The show continues to run October 20 at 8 p.m. and October 21 at 2 p.m.  at Arts Resources for the Tristate in Huntington (Renaissance Theatre at 900 8th Street).

Two "Macbeth" Interviews!

   Macbeth kicks off its final weekend tonight, and I have several e-interviews yet to share, so here's one with two notables from the show. The title role is played by Greg Morris, and the director is Mike Murdock - so let's hear from both of them about the play (which, I should mention, is getting rave reviews):


Q: You're part of a classic Shakespeare play, but in case our reader isn't familiar with it, tell us the basic story.

Greg: I’ll leave that to Murdock.

Mike: MACBETH is a play about a war hero who allows his own greed, ambition, imagination and wife lead him to the end of his sanity. After hearing a prophecy from three witches, MACBETH believes he can be king, and begins doing everything he can to make that happen, including murder. A lot of murder.

Q: Tell us about the character you play.

Greg: Macbeth, one of Western Literature’s most engrossing characters, is a man big with imagination, ambition, and fearlessness, but a little short on brains and wisdom. He’s prescient, but without the grace of understanding his own clairvoyance. In a way, he’s a kind of self-inflicted Cassandra. He sees the future, but won’t believe his own predictions. A man of deep faith - of a kind - he refuses to accept his fate, choosing instead to sacrifice everything he holds dear in a fruitless, quixotic quest to determine his own destiny. No man is bigger than the cosmos, not even one of his own making.

Mike: I'm the director. Everything you see on stage at the show is my fault - the good and the bad. Hopefully there's more good.

Q: What's the most challenging thing about this show?

Mike: I worked with a lot of new people in this production and many of them had never done Shakespeare before. Working on the language with people that have no experience is always daunting, but also part of the fun. There's nothing better than when you see the actor "get it" for the first time. All of a sudden, they understand what they are saying and the play comes into focus. Shakespeare created a lot of words, many of which we use today, so getting to sense of the words and the truth of the text is both the greatest challenge and the most rewarding element of directing Shakespeare.

Greg: Two things: the language, which is always a challenge with Shakespeare, and the ARTS auditorium, which was designed more for music and dance than for dramatic theater. Finding the right vocal energy in that space is a Herculean task. These two things taken together force an actor to work double hard if he or she is determined to communicate the story. One has to first understand the words, then learn to say them at the right speed and volume and diction, with the right inflection and inference, always remembering that the audience hasn’t spent the last three months pouring over the words like the actors have been. Oh, and act on top of everything else. There’s a reason why, in the years gone by, so many actors have performed Shakespeare in a “presentational” style: sometimes – at it is for the space we happen to be in - that’s the only right and righteous way. An actor doing Death of A Salesman or The Owl and the Pussycat in a small, intimate theater can afford to speak in a “natural,” conversational style. That’s much harder to do with Shakespeare in a large space. We Americans are so accustomed to film and TV that we tend to speak almost in a sotto voice as a matter of course. Breaking that habit is tough enough for an experience actor, and not any easier for one with less experience.

Q: Will the audience be scared or shocked by this production?

Greg: I hope not. That would be terrible; coming to see a bloody, horrible tragedy and then being scared or shocked would be a real bummer.

Mike: I don't know if anyone will be scared or shocked, but I think we amp up the energy in our ACT 2, and it's certainly nerve-wracking as we transition scenes one right into another. We do a lot of things in this show that aren't your typical "community theatre" fare. We have some pretty dynamite special effects, sound and lighting which is sure to cause a buzz. The fight scenes are brutal and realistic and there's also quite a bit of blood in the show. But hey, it wouldn't be the Halloween season without blood, would it?

Q: Why did you want to be part of this show?

Greg: I love Shakespeare, especially his tragedies. His poetry is second to none. Doing a play like this, no matter what the role, is great practice for the actor. Once he or she has conquered Shakespeare, everything else seems a little bit easier.

Mike: I love MACBETH. It's been my favorite Shakespearean tragedy since I first read it in high school. It was the first of Shakespeare's plays that I read where, as I mentioned earlier, I "got it." I understood the story and I was hanging on every word. I think that we've made this play accessible to both young and old and the actors and crew are doing a fantastic job. We've gotten some great reviews after the first weekend. I hope even more people come this weekend to experience the show with us.

Q: Why would you recommend this show to our readers?

Greg: Macbeth is one of the Bard’s most accessible, straight-forward, and powerful plays. The man was at the height of his powers when he wrote this masterpiece. Only Lear and Hamlet come close to Macbeth in the fullness of the experience, and yet, in some ways, Macbeth is Shakespeare’s most satisfying effort: more like steak and potatoes than a fancy dinner, Macbeth is meat served the way it should be – seared black top and bottom and bloody in-between! Our production is imperfect, to be sure, but I think you might find enough there to satisfy the hunger. Bon appetite!

Mike: It's classic literature meets 21st century spectacle meets down-and-dirty story of ambition and revenge. There's something for everyone - sword fights, dirty jokes, blood, witchcraft - all that, plus a great story being told in an easily understandable fashion. You REALLY don't want to miss this show. It's what everyone is going to be talking about in the months to come - to be fair, they already are! Don't be left out of the conversation. Come see MACBETH!

Q: Tell us the dates, times and place for the show.

Mike: Friday, October 19 at 8 p.m., Saturday, October 20 at 8 p.m., Sunday, October 21at 2 p.m. ARTS - Renaissance Theatre - Old Huntington High School - 900 8th Street - Huntington. 304- 733-ARTS. Tickets are only 10 bucks.

On Stage This Weekend

   This list of shows taking the stage this weekend is courtesy of my pal Ryan Hardiman, who compiled it earlier today:

- Macbeth 

Presented by 

Arts Resources for the Tri-State (ARTS)

Fri-Sat Oct. 19-20 at 8pm
Sun Oct. 21 at 2pm
The Renaissance Center (Old Huntington High)
900 8th Street, Huntington, WV
$10 all tickets
Dinner and Show available by reservation $25 (Fri & Sat Shows Only)
304-733-ARTS for dinner reservations

- The Phantom of the Opera
Presented by Ashland Community & Technical College
Fri – Sat., Oct. 19 - 20 / 25 - 27 at 8pm
Matinees: Sun Oct. 21 and 28 at 2:30pm
J. B. Sowards Theatre
1400 College Drive, Ashland, KY
$8 Adults / $5 Students, Seniors and groups of 10 or more
606-326-2014

- Animal Farm
Presented by Charleston Stage Company
Fri-Sat Oct. 19 - 20 / 25-27 at 7:30pm
Capitol Center Theater
123 Summers Street, Charleston. WV
$15 Adults / $10 Students and Seniors
304-343-5272

- Evil Dead: The Musical
Presented by Morehead State University Dept of Theatre/Dance
Fri-Sat Oct 19 - 20 at 7:30pm
Sun Oct 21 at 2pm
LCL Theatre in Breckinridge Hall
Morehead State University, Morehead, KY
$10 Adults, $5 Students and Seniors
606-783-2170

- aMused Dance Concert
Presented by MU Theatre Alliance
Fri-Sat Oct. 19-20 at 7pm
Francis-Booth Experimental Theatre
Marshall University, Huntington, WV
$12
304-696-2787

Another Fistful of Bullets!
Presented by Murder and Merriment
Sat Oct. 27 
Heritage Station, Huntington, WV
866-639-7487

- The Tale of Sleepy Hollow: The Musical
Presented by Jax Theatre
Fri-Sat Oct 19-20 at 7pm
Sun Oct. 21 at 3pm
TG-Entertainment LIVE
8805 Ohio River Rd., Wheelersburg, OH
740-574-6000

- Greater Tuna

Presented by Alban Theatre in St. Albans

Friday and Saturday, Oct. 19, 20, 26 and 27 at 8 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 21 and 28 at 2 p.m.

A "Macbeth" Interview with Brian Cook

   Joining us for today's interview with the cast of Macbeth is Brian Cook, a fine actor who plays the part of Thane. Here's what he had to say:

Q: You're part of a classic Shakespeare play (I won't name it, in case you hold to the traditional superstition), but in case our reader isn't familiar with it, tell us the basic story.

Brian:  Hesitantly, a brave warrior allows his wife to pull him headfirst into the dark abyss of power and corruption. Returning to the surface, we see that their feelings for their misdeeds have exchanged.

Q: Tell us about the character you play.

Brian:  I play the character of Ross, a fellow thane.  Ross' role in the play is mainly as the bearer of news - good, bad and ugly.  

Q: What's the most challenging thing about this show?

Brian: The most challenging aspect of the production, for me, is the language.  Not only is the text often hard to make sense of, but it's also difficult to appear natural and/or conversational using old English. Luckily, director Mike Murdock spent plenty of time with the cast discussing the reasoning behind each scene and the intent behind the dialogue. 

Q: Will the audience be scared or shocked by this production?

Brian: I feel that there are definitely  some shocks and surprises in the show.  Some of them come from the writing, but some come from the twisted minds of the production team.  I dare not speak further on this matter.

Q: Why did you want to be part of this show?

Brian: I auditioned for the show because I wanted to work with Murdock - he promised there would be "fun" and "play."  To be honest, I was intimidated to do a Shakespearian production, but Mike made me feel like I was going to be in good hands.

Q: Why would you recommend this show to our readers?  

Brian: I recommend this show for its overall storytelling  I feel the cast and crew have done well to make this 400-year-old tale more accessible and entertaining for today's audiences without dumbing down any of the language. In addition, there are fight scenes and quite a bit of blood.  

Q: Tell us the dates, times and place for the show.

Brian:You can see Macbeth at ARTS (the Renaissance Center, or old Huntington High) on Oct. 19 and 20 at 8 p.m. or Oct. 21 at 2 p.m.  If you'd enjoy dinner before the Friday or Saturday performances give a call to 304-733-ARTS for reservations. Tickets are $10, or $25 for dinner and the show. 

A "Macbeth" Interview with Damon Noel

Next up in our parade of interviews is Damon Noel, a fine actor who plays the part of Fleance (among other parts) in the ARTS production of Macbeth, which wraps up this weekend at the Renaissance Theatre. Here's what he had to say:

Q: You're part of a classic Shakespeare play (I won't name it, in case you hold to the traditional superstition),

but in case our reader isn't familiar with it, tell us the basic story.

Damon: Macbeth is the story of a man who succumbs to the temptation of power and is led down a path of murder, betrayal, and madness. Plus it's got some awesome sword fighting and gore, so yay!

 

Q: Tell us about the character you play.

Damon: I play Fleance, Banquo's son. I mostly just follow my father around. But I also play a few minor roles that are very enjoyable as well.

 

Q: What's the most challenging thing about this show?

Damon: Mopping up the blood.

 

Q: Will the audience be scared or shocked by this production?

Damon: I truly hope so.

 

Q: Why did you want to be part of this show?

Damon: I had never done Shakespeare, and what better play than Macbeth to start!

 

Q: Why would you recommend this show to our readers?

Damon: This is a thriller of a show and would be enjoyed by audiences of any kind, even if they aren't Shakespearean scholars.

 

Q: Tell us the dates, times and place for the show.

Damon: October 12,13 at 8 p.m.

October 14 at 2 p.m.

October 19, 20 at 8 p.m.

October 21 at 2 p.m.

Renaissance Theatre at 900 8th Street in Huntington.

A "Macbeth" Interview with Bil Neal

   For our third e-interview, let's hear from my pal Bil Neal, a fine actor and director as well as being the current president of ARTS (to name just a few of his many talents).

   Here's what he had to say about his involvement in Macbeth, the Shakespeare play that will wrap up next weekend at the Renaissance Theatre in Huntington:

Q: Tell us about the character you play.

Bil: The character I play in Macbeth is called Seyton (pronounced "Satan"), and he's a pretty bad guy.  He's part of Macbeth's household, and works as a hired killer, with an occaisional torture thrown in.  The most challenging thing about playing him is his passion for blood - I don't have one, personally.  The most challenging thing about this show in general is the technical elements, I think. 

 

Q: What's the most challenging thing about this show?

Bil: The cast has been given these rich, classic characters that they've all embraced, but the addition of weapons, special effect lighting, projections and sounds, and the blood itself has added greatly to the difficulty in "living" this production.  In fact, I've been impressed with the variety of weaponry on the stage, and the fight choreography, and the different types of lighting effects used. Theatres around here don't really give folks the opportunity to play with these sets of toys, and most of these are utilized to shock the audience.  That's what makes Macbeth a great choice for this time of year.  That's what has made Macbeth fun for me.

 

Q: Why did you want to be part of this show?

Bil: So far in 2012 I've been onstage for Love Letters, and directed both 1776 as well as Crimes of the Heart.  I worked on the Tech Crew of Stepping Out.  If you're doing good theatre, I want to be a part of it somehow.  I wanted to be a part of Macbeth for that reason--this isn't my taste, or genre - in fact, there's discussion that I might've been cast "against type,"  but it's good theatre.  I've worked with Mike Murdock before, but never as a Director.  I wanted a project that would let me work - as an actor, costumer, blood-maker, techie, whatever--outside my comfort zone.  That's where I want to grow and develop.

 

Q: Why would you recommend this show to our readers?

I'd recommend Macbeth because of the cast and crew.  They all take their jobs seriously.  I love that.  I'd recommend Macbeth because of the technical aspects.  Pretty cool stuff.  I'd recommend Macbeth because it's a piece of classic literature that isn't done much in Community Theatre.  It's scary, evil in tone, and loud at times.  The language may be cumbersome for a few, but the passion and the motives you see played out on this stage is stunning.  It's real.  In the end, that's probably what scares me most of all.

 

That, and the blood.

"Macbeth" : A Review

   My pal Ryan Hardiman provides this excellent review of the ARTS production of Macbeth, which takes the stage this weekend and next: 

When you use words like "Epic" and "You're welcome, world" to promote your show, it had better live up to the hype. You have to know Director Mike Murdock to realize that while he he throws out these words in fun, he's also dead serious in his ambition to lift Macbeth to meet those lofty claims. Good news. He succeeds.

When you enter the auditorium at the ARTS Rennaissance Center, the first thing you notice is the huge bloody hand, which has become an icon of this production, projected above a stage strewn with camoflage and boxes of military gear. A steel industrial drum sits center. Work lights sit atop stands and others are clamped to the lip of the stage, facing the audience. Modern music pulses. A first impression might be that the Scottish play has been set in the Vietnam War. 

A tuxedoed Mr. Murdock greets the audience and sets the stage for the production, explaining that his vision was to present Macbeth as timeless, in any war, in any place. It indeed looks like the players raided an army-navy surplus store, picking out military costumes and weapons from whatever era they fancied. Whether born out of concept or poverty, my advice to the audience is to just let go of any purist notions or a desire for visual consistency, and just let yourself be carried away by the story. If you must embrace logic, you could chose to envision the players as a ragtag militia group or a group of excellent reinactors with a limited budget. It doesn't really matter, because once things get rolling, it's likely you'll forget all about the costumes.

As the play kicks off to the Trent Reznor cover of Led Zeppelin's "Immigrant Song", a full battle explodes in front of you, and if you happen to be sitting in the "splatter zone," as I was, you may begin to wonder if you'll make it out alive. They now have my full attention.

Lighting effects lend to the mood, and monochromatic projections in the background suggest locations. Again, these seem not to pinpoint a particular era or country, consistent with Mr. Murdock's stated vision. From the front row, at least, almost everyone can be heard loud and clear. This is important, because in order to get the full effect of Shakespeare's tragedy, you don't want to miss any of the dialogue. You'll be surprised to remember how many famous quotes come from this play, and the actors deliver the lines in a natural style that makes this great story very accessible.

They promised blood, and blood they deliver in spades, although not with every kill. Some wounds clearly leave no trace of blood, but when they decide to use blood effects, watch out. 

Fight Coordinator Mike Naglee had his work cut out for him in this show and his work shines here, as well as in his comic role as the Porter.

Mr. Murdock has assembled so many strong actors that it would be impossible to properly highlight all who deserve mention in a review. There really are no weak links in this sturdy chain.

I have to say that in a show brimming with talent, Greg and Kate Morris are forces to be reckoned with as Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, respectively. They command the stage and imbue their roles with both rage and subtlety. You can see the wheels turning at all times. Theirs are the quality of performances that you would pay through the nose to experience elsewhere, and you have the chance to see this show in your own backyard for ten bucks. 

Don't miss this. It is epic.

Macbeth continues Sun. Oct 14 at 2 p.m. and next weekend, Fri-Sat, Oct. 19-20 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 21 at 2 p.m.
All tickets general admission $10
Dinner and Show available by reservation $25 (Fri & Sat Shows Only)
Call 304-733-ARTS for dinner reservations.

On Stage This Weekend: Murder, Magic and Music

   Lots of great shows to see this weekend, including:

- Macbeth - ARTS presents one of Shakespeare’s bloodiest and most popular plays. The show takes the stage at the Renaissance Theatre at 900 8th Street in Huntington on Oct. 13, 19 and 20 at 8 p.m., and Oct. 14 and 21 at 2 p.m. Dinner and Show available by reservation $25 (Fri & Sat Shows Only) - call 304-733-ARTS for dinner reservations.

- The Crucible - The Marshall Theatre Alliance presents Arthur Miller’s parable of mass hysteria based on the Salem witch-hunt of 1692. The story of how the small community of Salem is stirred into madness by superstition, paranoia and malice is a savage attack on the evils of mindless persecution and the terrifying power of false accusations. The play will be presented at the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center Oct. 13 at 8 p.m.

- Alice in Wonderland - Huntington High School's Theatre Department presents the classic play based on the book by Lewis Caroll as adapted from Anne Coulter Martins. The show will take place at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 13 as well as 3 p.m. Oct. 14, at the school.

- Peter Pan - The Children’s Theatre of Charleston presents the play based on the classic story of the mischievous boy who can fly and spends his never-ending childhood adventuring on the small island of Neverland as the leader of his gang the Lost Boys, interacting with mermaids, Indians, fairies, pirates, and occasionally ordinary children from the world outside of Neverland. The show will be presented at the Charleston Civic Center Little Theater Oct. 13 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Oct. 14 at 2 p.m.

- Evil Dead: The Musical - Kanawha Players presents the horror musical Oct. 13 at 8 p.m. at the Kanawha Players Theater.

- Music Man, Jr.- Portsmouth Area Children's Theatre will present the musical Oct. 13 at Vern Riffe Center for the Arts. 

   So get out there and support your community theatre!

Our Second "Macbeth" e-interview

 The second performance of Macbeth takes the stage tonight at the Renaissance Theatre in Huntington (900 8th Street), so let's go behind the scenes and meet some of the members of this all-star cast!


   Here in the second of our e-interviews is my pal Sarah Diamond Burroway, who's an excellent actor and a fellow blogger! Here's what she has to say:

Q: You're part of a classic Shakespeare play, but in case our reader isn't familiar with it, tell us the basic story.

Sarah: It's a centuries old tale of greed, power, treachery and deceit. It's set in Scotland in battlefields, woods, Macbeth's castle and anywhere the witches are. This production of Macbeth by ARTS is set in an undefined yet contemporary time, which I believe helps lend itself to the notion that the very real themes of this Shakespeare tragedy could and do exist (though maybe not so carnally) today. 

Q: Tell us about the character you play.

Sarah: I play Witch One.  She's one of the Weird Sisters.  The witches like to toy with Macbeth. He's already lustful and greedy for more power. They meet up with Macbeth and Banquo and start sowing little seeds, which sprout and take root. 

Q: What's the most challenging thing about this show?

Sarah: As a theatre company, we've worked four or more days per week since summer to educate ourselves about Macbeth, to become more informed of Shakespeare.  Many people are intimidated by Shakespeare, but there's really no need to be. He wrote stories that are still relevant 400 years later.  Once you consider the language and realize it's really English, it's pretty simple to cut through to to emotion of each scene. 

   Physically, this has been a very challenging show. The director and fight captain have worked especially hard to train the actors in the fight scenes to play them out realistically and safely. I think the audience will be impressed by the weaponry and battles.

   Also, the weird sister have been working with a movement coach, Leah Turley, to help us learn how to use our bodies in an "other worldly" way so we 'become' witches in our scenes rather than recite witch lines as our physical selves. The movement work has helped give an entirely different feel to those scenes where the witches are on stage. We present our character selves in a way on stage that is completely different from how we carry ourselves in real life. I think you'll see three distinctly different characters who meld into the intent of the witches. 

Q: Will the audience be scared or shocked by this production?

Sarah: Yes and yes. As well as educated, entertained, transported, terrified, repulsed and wanting more when the show concludes. I think Mike Murdock's vision for Macbeth is something exciting and atypical for theatre in the tri-state. 

Q: Why did you want to be part of this show?

Sarah: To be working with this director, cast and crew is awesome!  As someone who's only been doing community theatre for a couple of years, it is a wish come true to share the spotlight with truly some of the best, most talented actors and technical crew anywhere. Plus, I told Mike that I wanted to be a witch on my birthday and I'm happy to be celebrating around a bubbling cauldron.

Q: Why would you recommend this show to our readers?

Sarah: Shakespeare isn't something local community theatre companies here tackle everyday. It's hard word. It's a time consuming process.  The show that Murdock and ARTS are putting up is by far one of the best--if not the best-- shows of the season.  Sometime next year when people are asking, what was your favorite show of 2012? Macbeth will be in the top three. No question. 

Q: Tell us the dates, times and place for the show.

Sarah: You can catch Macbeth at ARTS (the Renaissance Center, or old Huntington High) on October 12, 13, 19, 20 at 8 p.m. or 14, 21 at 2 p.m.  If you'd like to enjoy dinner before the Friday or Saturday performances give a call to 304-733-ARTS for reservations.  Tickets are $10, or $25 for dinner and the show.  See you there!

A Trailer for "Macbeth"

   Here's a trailer preview for Macbeth, now on stage at Huntington's Renaissance Theatre. Don't miss it!

A Macbeth e-inerview

   Macbeth takes the stage tonight at the Renaissance Theatre in Huntington (900 8th Street), so let's hear from the cast!

   Here in the first of our e-interviews (as I call 'em) is my pal Mike Naglee, who's a fine actor, stage fighter and a great guy. Here's what he has to say:

Q: You're part of a classic Shakespeare play (I won't name it, in case you hold to the traditional superstition), 

but in case our reader isn't familiar with it, tell us the basic story.

Mike: Macbeth (I said it!) is the story of a man's spiral into madness and ruin as his quest for power takes him through regicide, homicide, infanticide and virtual fratricide.  The first domino is tipped at the beginning of the show, and pushes the Macbeths inexorably to their doom.

Q: Tell us about the character you play.

Mike: I play The Porter, a character whose sole purpose is to provide comic relief after the first murder.  Keeping with the original intent of the character, the porter gets a bit of "creative license" to go off text in the name of funny.  In the context of the play his job as porter is to answer the castle door, but when Macduff comes knocking in the early hours of the morning, the porter decides to have a little fun before answering.  He pretends to be the porter at the gates of Hell, greeting new arrivals.  

Q: What's the most challenging thing about this show?

Mike: The language, the combat, and the effects are all difficult for a community theatre production to pull off... we'll let you decide how successful we've been!

Q: Will the audience be scared or shocked by this production?

Mike: I hope both!  I think even the hardest of hearts will feel the tension of impending doom as it bears down on Macbeth.

Q: Why did you want to be part of this show?

Mike: "Mike Murdock's directing Shakespeare?  Where do I sign?"  I already had a tremendous amount of personal and professional respect for those involved and for those I knew planned to audition, and Murdock gave me the opportunity to return to stage combat as Fight Director - a passion of mine I hadn't been able to indulge in a long time... how could I resist?

Q: Why would you recommend this show to our readers?

Mike: It's a classic tale of suspense and intrigue, and one of Shakespeare's most exciting.  The cast and crew have done an amazing job bringing it to life.  I guarantee you'll enjoy it!

Q: Tell us the dates, times and place for the show.

Mike: You can catch Macbeth at ARTS (the Renaissance Center, or old Huntington High) on October 12,13,19,20 at 8pm or 14, 21 at 2pm.  If you'd like to enjoy dinner before the Friday or Saturday performances give a call to 304-733-ARTS for reservations.  Tickets are $10, or $25 for dinner and the show.  See you there!

"Macbeth" and More

   In today's Herald-Dispatch, my pal Dave Lavender provides a great overview of some of the shows taking local stages this month, starting with one that premieres on Friday: Macbeth.

   You can read that story (and see a few photos) right here. 

   Here's an excerpt:

   There will be blood at the Renaissance Center as long-time Shakespeare fan and actor Mike Murdock is in the director's chair taking a stab at updating Macbeth, one of Shakespeare's bloodiest, most popular, and most quotable dramas. 

   Starring Greg Morris as Macbeth, Kate Morris as Lady Macbeth as well as such theater veterans as Paul Neace, Bil Neal and Sarah Diamond Burroway, Macbeth is ready to run Friday through Sunday and next weekend as well splaying open the timeless tale of political ambition, fate, deception and treachery of men vying for glory and the crown. 

   Dates are Oct. 12-14 as well as Oct. 19-20 with 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday shows and 2 p.m. Sunday matinees. Tickets are $10 and dinner and a show reservations (Friday and Saturday only) are $25. 

Into the witching hour 

   Starring American Idol finalist Chase Likens as John Proctor, The Crucible is now burning up the stage at Marshall University's Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center. 

   Directed by Jack Cirillo, The Crucible, which won a Tony Award for Best Play in 1953, will continue at 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Oct. 11-13. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. The lobby will open at 7 p.m. for coffee and conversation prior to the show. 

   Arthur Miller's parable of mass hysteria draws a chilling parallel between the Salem witch-hunt of 1692 and the McCarthyism which gripped America in the 1950s. The story of how the small community of Salem is stirred into madness by superstition, paranoia and malice is a savage attack on the evils of mindless persecution and the terrifying power of false accusations. 

   Call the box office at 304-696-2787. 

'Alice' in high school land 

   Huntington High School's award-winning theater department dials back the pocket watch to childhood to present the always entertaining and mind-bending Lewis Carroll tale, Alice in Wonderland. 

   Performances will take place at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Oct. 11-13; and 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 14. Admission is $5 and free for children under 2 years of age. 

   Dylan Parker, a co-captain on the speech and debate team, will play the March Hare and is creating the Mad Hatter's costume. Sarena Johnson, Luke Hagely and Chloe Donahoe also star in the show. Johnson will play Alice, Hagely will play the Cheshire Cat, and Donahoe will play the caterpillar. Carley Claudio will play the White Rabbit, Jacob Eastman the Mad Hatter, Liz Dyer the Queen of Hearts, Kiersten Oldham the Dodo, with Jamia Shook and Chad Arthur as Tweedledum and Tweedledee.

A Trailer for "The Crucible"

   Marshall's Theatre Alliance has created a trailer to preview the show that started tonight at the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center: The Crucible.

   Have a look:

On Stage: "The Crucible"

   Taking the stage this week on Marshall University's stage is the classic drama The Crucible.

   Here's an excerpt from the story in today's Herald-Dispatch, as written by my pal Rachel Bailey:

    Most people who have taken high school English have at least a passing familiarity with Arthur Miller's classic play, The Crucible. 

    But if you think having read Miller's dramatization of the Salem witch trials of the 17th century is equal to seeing it brought to life onstage, Jack Cirillo of Marshall University's College of Fine Arts has news for you. 

   "Plays were written to be heard; they weren't written to be read," said Cirillo, an associate professor in performance studies and the play's director. "There's great excitement and color to be had by sitting with 500 other people and experiencing the story all at the same time, played by actors who are giving their level best to create a very real, believable world for the audience to explore." 

   Performances of "The Crucible" will take place at 8 p.m. Oct. 10-13, at the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. The lobby will open at 7 p.m. for coffee and conversation prior to the show.

"Disney's The Little Mermaid, Jr."

   Apologies for the limited posting of late, gentle readers, but there's a good reason - I've been swamped working on the upcoming show, Disney's The Little Mermaid, Jr.

   It's been a blast working with such a talented cast and directing team - and we're less than a month away from taking the stage.

   I'll talk more about it in the days and weeks ahead, but for now, here's the poster for the show - and the latest press release:

   The story of Ariel, the mermaid who risks everything for true love, will be presented live on stage as First Stage Theatre Company offers Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Jr. on Oct. 26, 27 and 28, 2012, at the Renaissance Theatre at 900 8th Street in Huntington.

     The show features 50 young performers from the Tri-state area, ranging in age from high school seniors to elementary students. Director Chuck Minsker said, “It’s amazing how much talent these young actors have. I think audiences of all ages are going to be surprised and delighted with this musical." 

     Four shows are being presented, including performances on Friday, Oct. 26 and Saturday, Oct. 27 at 7:30 p.m., and matinee performances on Saturday, Oct. 27 and Sunday, Oct. 28 at 2 p.m. 

    The Renaissance Theatre is located in the old Huntington High School building. 

   Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Jr. is based on the beloved animated feature from the Disney Studios and the Broadway play it inspired. It tells the story of young Ariel, a mermaid who falls in love with a human, Prince Eric, and risks everything to win his love. But she’ll have to contend with her father, King Triton, and the evil sea witch, Ursula. 

   The show’s cast is guided by director Chuck Minsker, music director Mark Smith, choreographer Melissa McGuffin, producer Leslie Porter, Assistant Director Robyn Welch, set construction director Jack Welch, and costume designer Trish Woods. 

   Little Mermaid, Jr. kicks off the 23rd season for Huntington’s long-running children’s theatre.  Shows coming up this season include the holiday musical Scrooge and The Bully Plays in Spring 2013.    

   For more information, visit www.firststagetheatre.org or call 304-416-KIDS. 

   The First Stage Theatre Company is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to providing an educational, developmental experience for young people through the performing arts. Founded in 1990, the organization has staged more than 50 theatrical shows starring children from the Tri-State area.

On Stage This Weekend

   Kicking off our busy month of August, you have three fine shows to choose from this weekend - two in Charleston and one in Portsmouth:

- The Legend of Ginger and Billy Joe: The Stock Car Musical – Contemporary Youth Arts Company presents this original Dan Kehde and Mark Scarpelli musical at the WVSU Capitol Center Theater at 123 Summers Street in Charleston. The musical comedy is a parody of redneck culture – a bit raunchy and very funny. Shows are Oct. 5 and 6 at 8 p.m. 

- Evil Dead: The Musical - Kanawha Players presents the horror musical Oct. 5 and 6 at 8 p.m. at the Kanawha Players Theater. 

- All My Sons - WIll be offered by Shawnee State University Theatre Department. on Oct 5 and 6 at 7:30 p.m. at the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts at Shawnee State University, 940 Second St. in Portsmouth.

   Check 'em out!

A Free Preview of "Macbeth"

Here's a bargain - a free preview of Shakespeare's Macbeth will be offered Thursday night at the Renaissance Theatre at 900 8th Street in Huntington (the old Huntington High School). 

The preview starts at 7:30 p.m. 

It will include a short preview of the show followed by a Question-and-Answer talkback with the cast and directors followed by free snacks. 

I'm hearing great things about this show - it includes some genuine shocks and an All-star cast.  

Did I mention it was free? 

Highly recommended!